US administration imposes sanctions on 13 Pakistani companies
The US administration has imposed sanctions on 13 Pakistani companies for allegedly providing assistance to Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs. However, all 13 companies that have been targeted by the US Department of Commerce have expressed ignorance of the US sanctions imposed on them.
At first glance, these companies have nothing to do with Pakistan’s nuclear or missile program, as they are involved in trade, engineering and import business.
The names of Ashraf and Farrukh belonging to two Lahore-based companies are also included in the list issued by the US Department of Commerce to impose sanctions on 13 Pakistani companies.
Since 1990, the US administration has acknowledged that China and North Korea have been assisting in Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and using the technology they have provided.
Sequential reports from Washington-based think tanks have accused Pakistan of importing missiles from North Korea and China, which were presented in the form of locally made weapons.
US officials have often accused Pakistan of importing Nodong missiles from North Korea and M-11 missiles from China.
On the other hand, Pakistan claims that it has developed these surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with its own capabilities and expertise, including Ghauri and Shaheen missiles.